Monitor blood pressure, keep track of hypertension, say doctors

Stating that it is now one of the lifestyle diseases, like diabetes and cholesterol that is rapidly increasing, Dr Adhiti K, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Mehta’s Hospital, said, “It is largely a disease of the advanced stage and is known to increase with age.”

While the risk is higher for children born to parents with hypertension, it can affect anyone with a poor diet. “None of us have time to lead an active lifestyle. Not only do we indulge in junk food excessively, but exercise is also non-existent in our schedule. These unhealthy choices are what causes an individual to put on weight, resulting in various problems such as diabetes, cholesterol and other lifestyle related diseases,” she added.

It is a serious disease that can cause irreversible damage to organs. With an aim of creating awareness on the disease and the seriousness with which it must be checked, the theme for this year’s World Hypertension Day was ‘Know your numbers/BP’.

“As per the current guidelines, it is important to check your BP at least once a year,” said Dr Santosh P, a Cardiologist.

Focussing on the asymptomatic nature of the disease at the initial stage, he said, “Only when patients approach doctors with various other conditions, does the issue of high blood pressure (BP) come to light. However, we cannot prescribe medication unless we continue monitoring their BP and accordingly – based on their condition, the other diseases they suffer from – we prescribe medicines.”

Stressing on the need to prevent hypertension, Dr Vivek K Nambiar, Head of Division of Stroke, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi said, “Prevention is always better than cure. A healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet can prevent hypertension. A 45-minute brisk walk daily, avoiding excess salt, daily two servings of fruits would be some practical steps we can take in our busy life. Smoking and regular alcohol intake should obviously be curtailed.”

“Those who had hypertension, regular medications and periodic follow up with the doctor will help detection of complications early. Those with organ damage due to hypertension, for example, with stroke should be religious in taking medications and should avoid making decisions on their own about stopping medications,” he added.

With the symptoms ranging from headaches which are increasing frequency or quality, fatigue, uneasiness, chest discomfort, palpitations, giddiness and the like, doctors say that patients’ awareness on the link between these symptoms and this lifestyle disease seems to be lacking greatly. “Despite having improved from what it was few years ago awareness continues to be very poor. Most of the patients are caught unaware with high BP and therefore World Hypertension Day was dedicated towards instilling knowledge on the disease and its symptoms among the public,” added Dr Adhiti.